Proverbs 11:17 (BSB)

A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.

From Proverbs 11. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 11:17

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 11:17: It is a common principle, Every one for himself. Proximus egomet mihi - None so near to me as myself. Now, if this be rightly understood, it will be a reason for the cherishing of gracious dispositions in ourselves and the crucifying of corrupt ones. We are friends or enemies to ourselves, even in respect of present comfort, according as we are or are not governed by religious principles. 1.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 11:17: The merciful man doeth good to his own soul,.... Or "to himself": a man of mercy or grace, a liberal bountiful man, he comfortably enjoys what God has given him, Ecc 5:18; and he does good to others with it, and thereby does good to himself also; as well as he is solicitous in a spiritual sense for the good and welfare of his immortal...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 11:17: merciful--kind to others; opposed to cruel. Such benefit themselves by doing good to others (compare Pro 24:5), while the cruel injure themselves as well as others. flesh--that is, his body, by penuriousness (Col 2:23).
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 11:17: The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but [he that is] cruel troubleth his own flesh. (k) Rewards both himself and others.